Memorial for the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps

Hello, my name is Kyle. I am a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, and I am passionate about military history.

In my spare time I like to search for the unmarked graves of veterans buried without markers, and submit them for a permanent military grave marker. To date I have found over 1,400.

Back in 2019, I found the grave of a man by the name of Paris Carter buried in an unmarked grave in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He had been without a grave marker since 1890.

While researching his story I found out he was an African American who came to Vancouver Island in 1859. He soon joined a newly formed militia unit by the name of the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps. This was an all African American unit raised in the city of Victoria.

I had never heard of the unit at the time. I felt that it was an incredible story and this man deserved to be recognized. He was a trail blazer, who faced incredible amounts of racism, intolerance, and even attempts on his and his family's lives. He never backed down and never ran away.

Paris lived out his life in Victoria with his wife Mary. They raised several children and would pass away soon after each other in 1890.

In 2020 on November 11th, I was proud to see his grave marker installed by the Last Post Fund, with funds I had raised through donations. No longer forgotten, I was curious where the other men ended up.

Fast forward to 2024, and I have now found two more men and raised funds for their grave markers as well. Edward Booth, and Richard Stokes are no longer forgotten.

It is my goal to raise funds for a small monument to be placed in the city of Victoria, BC in memory of these men who served from 1860-1865 before their unit shut down due to lack of support, racism, and frustration. These men broke down barriers for future generations of black men to be able to serve in Canada. They deserve to be remembered properly in public view, for future generations to learn about.

I have received a quote of $10,000 plus taxes and any fees we might incur in the process. They have a black granite stone readily available which will be laser etched with their photo and history as well as the names of those known to have served.

If you believe we should teach our history, and never forget, please help me raise funds to complete this small project. These men deserve it.

Thank you